New research shows that the microorganisms in our gut could help protect brain cells from damage caused by inflammation after a stroke.

The study, published in the Journal of Neuroscience by researchers from the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, University of Kentucky’s College of Medicine and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center reveals that supplementing the body’s short chain fatty acids could improve stroke recovery.

People in Kentucky experience some of the highest rates of cancer, cardiovascular disease, substance use, diabetes and obesity in the nation. These health disparities are the focus of work inside the Healthy Kentucky Research Building (HKRB), UK’s newest research facility.

More than 70,000 Kentuckians are living with Alzheimer's disease, which likely means that you know someone whose life has been touched — directly or indirectly — by dementia. And since that number is expected to rise to more than 85,000 in the next five years or so, Alzheimer's will likely hit closer to home for many of us.

As the oldest girl of nine children, Jazmyne Barney always knew she served an important role in her family. She was the “mom of the sibling group,” as she calls it, and because of this, she felt she had the responsibility to succeed so her siblings could have someone to look up to.

Subbarao Bondada, professor of microbiology in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics in the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and Markey Cancer Center, has been named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Election as an AAAS Fellow is an honor bestowed upon AAAS members by their peers.

UnitedHealthcare (UHC) and the University of Kentucky Center of Excellence in Rural Health (UK CERH) announced a gift to support the first-ever Students Striving Toward Better Health in Self and Community initiative, available to Perry County and Hazard Independent high school students. Students enrolling in the program will receive tuition-free education and training for the community health worker certification. UK CERH will be the lead in the development, coordination and execution of content and programming with UHC providing expertise and support resources.

Luke H. Bradley, PhD, Chellgren Endowed Professor in the department of neuroscience, was recently selected by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education as a member of its newly-established Faculty Advisory Network.

The University of Kentucky is tackling many of Kentucky’s toughest health issues through research aimed at making documented, measured progress.

Among the many ongoing examples of UK’s faculty researchers focusing their skills to combat a major health challenge is Jennifer Havens, professor of behavioral science in the UK College of Medicine and a faculty member in the Center on Drug and Alcohol Research.

At the University of Kentucky, multiple innovative biospecimen resources are available to assist research. A video produced by the UK Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) highlights the biospecimen resources offered by the CCTS, the UK Markey Cancer Center, the UK Gill Heart Institute, and the Alzheimer’s Disease Center at the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging.

It is estimated that nearly 40 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer will require a mastectomy. For those patients, breast reconstruction surgery is a valuable part of comprehensive breast cancer care as studies show it improves quality of life, self-esteem and sexuality.

Despite the benefits of breast reconstruction, women from Appalachia are less likely to have the surgery than non-Appalachian Kentuckians, according to a new study by the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center.

 March 14, 2018 | Making the Rounds | Neurology and neuroscience | by UK HealthCare

Stephanie White, MD, MS, has recently been named the University of Kentucky College of Medicine’s new associate dean for diversity and inclusion. Beginning Jan. 7, 2020, Dr. White will assume leadership of the College of Medicine’s efforts to promote a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, faculty, and staff.

University of Kentucky Professor of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences Nancy Webb, Ph.D., has been honored by the American Heart Association with the Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology (ATVB) Distinguished Achievement Award.

The ATVB Council engages scientists and clinicians working to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. This annual accolade recognizes a member who has made major contributions to the council and substantial professional contributions to the field.

The University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center’s Department of Radiation Medicine recently completed a major renovation, including the installation of new cutting-edge technology.

The renovation includes a new Halcyon treatment system (the latest Varian linear accelerator platform), computerized tomography scanning on rails integrated into a new centrally located brachytherapy suite, expanded conference room, and an expansion/redesign of the reception area.

Students face challenges today that generations before them couldn’t even dream of. From using technology in the classroom to the pressures they feel from social media, the college experience today is monumentally different than it used to be.

Students come to college to express themselves in a way that they may have always wanted to, but never thought they could. With open hearts and minds, they leave their routine they’ve always known, ready to find themselves – whatever that means to them.

A recently published a report on the failing water system of Martin County in Eastern Kentucky finds that almost half of the county’s residents cannot afford their current water service. Residents and county advocates are now asking for a termination in rate increases, as they are already paying some of the highest water bills in the state.

Capt. Eric Stedje-Larsen, MD, and Cmdr. Ryan Phillips, MD, had worked with one another in the Navy for years, but on opposite sides of the country, Dr. Stedje-Larsen on the east coast in Portsmouth, Va., and Dr. Phillips on the west coast in San Diego. It wasn’t until last May that they met in person while attending a training in California.

That’s when they learned they had something significant in common – they’re both graduates of the University of Kentucky College of Medicine.

Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Sherrod’s final duty before closing his 10-year Navy career was as a recruiter, traveling across the region to teach young, prospective military members about the opportunities the Navy offered.

During that time he became familiar with area colleges like the University of Kentucky and also made plenty of visits to Bowling Green, Ky. He appreciated the city for its small-town feel and scenic views, but also its growth and potential.

Now, as he chases a new career path, he calls this place home.

Staff Sgt. Sean Thornton joined the Marine Corps in 2009 for a variety of reasons. He wanted to serve his country. He wanted to continue the tradition within his family. He also wanted to improve himself, both physically and mentally.

He served a combined eight years, five in active duty and three in the reserves, before being honorably discharged as a staff sergeant, a coveted position with responsibilities such as leadership, training, and maintaining an efficient platoon of more than 40 Marines.